THE ONE PILL I TAKE EVERY.SINGLE.DAY (!!!)

I’m not a fan of antibiotics ( who is? ). I know, I know, they’re necessary at times & extremely helpful obviously, but that doesn’t make it any easier taking 4 a day for 5 weeks. FML.

Anyway, if you guys read The Skinny Confidential you know I’m a HUGE, HUGE fan of probiotics. I’ve talked about Kombucha ( …with champagne ) & kimchi many times but I’ve never shared this tidbit: I take an Acidophilus every.single.day.

Since…forever. Really though.

Why oh why have I not shared?

Because I’m not a doctor & I don’t want to tell you guys to do something…so I’m hesitant. But on that note, it’s also important to me to share what’s worked well for me & WHY.

Before you run out & get your own bottle of probiotics, talk to your doc & do some research.

Ok…here’s my experience/knowledge on taking a daily probiotic:

Firstly, the reason I bring this subject up is because I’M ON ANTIBIOTICS.

Let’s get gross for a second: if I DON’T take a probiotic ( or eat yogurt/drink Kombucha/chow down on Kimchi ), I get a yeast infection.

Fun times. Lemme tell ya, FUN TIMES.

And YES, I’m well aware that no one on the planet wants to talk about a fucking yeast infection. So Mr. Yeast Infection shows up when I’m on antibiotics because antibiotics strip all bacteria from your system in order to fight infections. This may sound swell but it’s not. You actually WANT good bacteria ( there’s such a thing as good bacteria!! ).

Which is why I use probiotics to prevent yeast infections instead of actually getting one & having to use a gross-ass Monistat egg ( << get it? ).

Weird? Bear with me.

Probiotics ( also known as an acidophilus ) are beneficial bacteria & micro-organisms that live in the gut. AKA ‘good bacteria.’ They help with digestion & REALLY, REALLY help absorb nutrients from food.

You want healthy, good bacteria because the good stuff helps eliminate nasty shit in the gut like bad bacteria, chemicals, & toxins.

Ok so let’s start with the difference between an acidophilus & a probiotic: “Acidophilus is a form of a probiotic. It is mainly used to aid digestion and repopulate the digestive track with good bacteria. Probiotics, those with a mix of acidophilus and other types of good bacteria, are considered broad-spectrum, meaning they work better when combined to aid more than one type of problem within the digestive tract. Probiotics that are most effective have a billion or more active organisms.” { via } .

The three main things that grow nasty bacterias are:

ANTIBIOTICS
CHLORINATED WATER
& STRESS

My favorite form of a probiotic to take is an acidophilus &/or eat a fermented food/drink.

You want to drink that weird looking shit ( you know the stuff that looks just like Ursula’s Poor Little Poopsies, Fletsom/Jetsom, in The Little Mermaid? Especially when they explode? Ya those. ) at the bottom because it’s full of enzymes & probiotics.

Obviously I don’t always have access to fermented foods ( especially while traveling ) so my probiotic pills really help get the job done…And when I’m on freaking antibiotics for 5 weeks I sure as hell don’t miss a day of my probiotic.

Just to make sure I’m being clear, I want to also share what this source states: “Probiotics are beneficial organisms, most of which are normally found in the healthy human gastrointestinal tract. Many different strains of probiotic organisms are in use, which have different but overlapping benefits. Probiotic organisms work through several interrelated mechanisms to promote health at the molecular level. They conquer potentially dangerous organisms in the intestine, reducing the risk of infection or toxin-mediated diseases. They regulate immune responses which enhance healthy reactions to dangerous infectious organisms, and they suppress excessive inflammation. Additionally, probiotics promote the function of the intestinal inner lining, enhancing its ability to act as a barrier to the entry of potentially dangerous organisms and chemicals.

Due to modern diets and lifestyle, as well as environmental factors such as pollution and the irresponsible overuse of antibiotics, the beneficial bacteria in your microbiome is at risk which can lead to an increased incidence in metabolic and inflammatory chronic diseases. Even simple aging gradually shifts your intestinal bacterial population towards a disease-promoting, rather than a disease-preventing, state.

The good news is that probiotics can help restore balance and cellular communications with regard to the body’s healthy bacterial population. In the digestive tract, probiotic therapy has been used to prevent or treat lactose intolerance, intestinal infections and diarrhea, gastritis and ulcers caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, colitis caused by excessive antibiotic use, inflammatory bowel diseases, and irritable bowel syndrome. They’re also proving instrumental in preventing colon cancer.”

Oh, & a little note guys: a lot of people have experienced weight loss ( because the pill helps with digestion ), more energy, & a stronger immune system when taking a daily probiotic.

This post is not sponsored, no one is paying me to say this shit, I JUST LOVE my freaking daily probiotic pill. This brand is the one I take every.single.day. If any of you recommend another great brand, I’m open to checking it out, just leave the link below.

I was drawn to this particular brand because 1.) it’s an acidophilus probiotic 2.) the benefits are insane ( “L. rhamnosus is probably the most important probiotic strain for health from the mouth to the small intestine. It protects by coating the mucus, preventing toxins from reaching the blood. It even results in better smelling breath. L. rhamnosus survives temperature extremes and is resistant to bile salts and stomach acid, ferments 23 sugars and inhibits negative bacteria and yeast growth. It is hardier and keeps better without refrigeration. Compared to L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus is 8 to 10 times more prolific, has a larger spectrum of sugar fermentation ( important for people with milk sugar intolerance ) has better control over putrefactive microbes, and is more effective at inhibiting disease-causing pathogens. L. acidophilus produces lactic acid which keeps a proper pH balance in the small intestine, inhibiting yeast growth. Studies have shown that L. acidophilus is effective in reducing lactose intolerance, inhibiting undesirable organisms in the intestine, reducing cholesterol levels and controlling diarrhea. Goat milk is an excellent environment for lactic bacteria because it helps beneficial bacteria proliferate. It also lacks a specific protein that is found in cow milk to which many people are allergic.” ), 3.) I’ve never had a yeast infection when on this specific one during any antibiotics.

YESSSS.

Typically I take one after breakfast & shoot for one after dinner ( << realness: sometimes I forget this one, but no worries because I have one in the AM ).

I’ve really done my research on this subject because it’s something I take everyday. If you’re interested in learning more, start here. This article is informative & a great place to get acquainted with a probiotic ( << especially if you have stomach/digestive problems ).

Again, JUST sharing what’s worked FOR ME. I am not you and you are not me. Do what works for YOU & as always, consult with a doctor before.

Thoughts? Anyone else take a daily probiotic?

Long post, I know, but there’s so much info about this tiny pill with powerful benefits!

Hey Lauryn! I lot of people I know swer by probiotics when they are on antibiotics to prevent yeast infections and also to help regulate their bowels. Just be sure that if you are taking probiotics while on antibiotics that you space the two at least 2 hours apart. Antibiotics will kill all the bad bacteria that are causing your infection, but they may also kill all the good bacteria in your probiotic! Xo

Just wondering what your thoughts are on taking chlorella? I’ve I just started taking it with water before bed a few times a week after doing a bunch of research on it’s benefits. Apparently it’s the most popular supplement in Japan, like vitamin C is to the US. I’d love your opinion.

I love that you talk about things that other bloggers don’t! It makes you so real & informative. As for probiotics, I’m obsessed. I think they even help my anxiety. I read an article saying your gut is like your second brain & it affects your mental health (among other things). It makes sense. I definitely feel less stressed since I started taking 70 billion CFU a day.

Yesssss. Love this article. I actually was just prescribed heavy dose probiotics (100 billion) from my Naturopath because of recurrent utis and I’m noticing such a difference in my overall health. Cannot recommend it enough.

Hey Lauryn. I’m an Irish pharmacist, and a huge fan of your blog. I just wanted to thank you so much for taking the time to share so many amazing health and beauty tips! PS: I do take a daily probiotic and find it makes a difference.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being the 1% of bloggers! It is a huge reason why I have followed you for so long, eventually will work with your company, and honestly a huge role model/inspiration for me. So neat to see how as much as your brand as developed and evolved, you are still so refreshingly real. Like, this stuff happens and I’d rather hear you talk about it than some macarons or something! OKAY so anyways, this post was SO INTERESTING! I love that you really go into depth, and I love these posts. I will absolutely pick up that brand you linked. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed with everything on the market, especially when it comes to pills. Thank you for sharing!! I have been using the inner-eco coconut water probiotic which I liked because I could drink it, make chia pudding with it in advance… and I might or might not have been known to make some cocktails with it! 😉 x

I was just standing in the vitamin isle today at the store wondering what you would recommend! so funny! Anyways I bought cinnamon pills because I am addicted to sugar and trying to help curb it. I love probiotics but I will def have to try this brand. I bought the leggings you swear by from Nordys, and even ordered a pair for my sister’s birthday. I’m loving the snap chats! xox

Lauryn!! We were totally in the same brain wave in posting about probiotics on the same day! No joke. I just started taking one last week and did a post about it and posted it last night 🙂 I’m ALL for the healthy bacteria, my gut needs it bad!! PS your post is way more thorough!! I like it!!Amanda Waltman recently posted..Probiotics and My Mission to Have a Healthy Gut

Omg we were totally channeling each other! LOL! Aren’t probiotics the best? LIFE SAVER while I’m on these gross antibiotics. BLAH. Thanks for reading 🙂 xxLauryn recently posted..THE ONE PILL I TAKE EVERY.SINGLE.DAY (!!!)

I take acidophilus as well as jarrodophilus at a high count. I have a chronic, debilitating autoimmune disorder and yes, to an otherwise healthy person, 4 or 5 weeks may seem like an extended period of time to be on antibiotics. However, I’ve been on antibiotics on and off for years. So trust me when I say probiotics don’t just help someone who is dealing with a temporary thing (even if it is still very serious!) but also with something long-term. Stomach issues could be a huge ordeal for me, but because I take care of my gut, I rarely have problems, and I haven’t had a yeast infection in years. One of my first specialists also suggested I take probiotics for my immune system, like you mentioned. So it’s nice to find something out there that can work for a variety of purposes and that is really well-known in the chronic illness community because…it works! Great post!chelsea w recently posted..My Sick Life Illustrated Through Buffy Gifs

Thanks for sharing Chelsea. I’m so glad you’re taking probiotics and even more happy it’s helping you stay healthy. The benefits are seriously amazing. Thanks for reading <3 xxLauryn recently posted..THE ONE PILL I TAKE EVERY.SINGLE.DAY (!!!)

Hi, I drink, well eat really, 8oz of PLAIN (much less sugar than flavored!) Kefir every morning. I add a few fresh blueberries /strawberries /raspberries or blackberries to it and there’s my breakfast and probiotics all at once!

Hi Lauryn,
Another great post on what keeps you balanced and healthy, I love reading them and seeing your smoothie snapchat posts. Sorry this isn’t directly related to probiotics but as you’ve been posting so much about all the goodness you’re putting in your body it made me think – Since you’ve been feeling so crap and trying to boost your energy and immune system, has there been a day when you’ve just thought ‘f*ck it I want cake?!’
I’m all for a healthy daily lifestyle, but after about 4 weeks at a time I need a serious treat to keep me on track. Do you allow yourself this and do you have recipes for any treats you make yourself?
Hope you feel better soon post surgery!Steph recently posted..The Hoppings – Newcastle

I literally just searched your blog two days ago for “probiotics”!! I need to start taking some on a regular basis because I think it may help with my gluten intolerance and when I accidentally ingest gluten, but I wanted to find a reliable pill – so of course I went to your blog! Damn good timing! Thank you for this!!

I used to get regular yeast infections until I used apple cider vinegar as a douche. It cleared it up within a day, and I seriously haven’t gotten another one in probably 8 years. I did not however, ever have to take antibiotics for longer than a week or so.

What do you eat kimchi with (if anything)? I’ve heard about kimchi and fermented foods a LOT lately and I know you’re a huge fan, but I don’t think I’ve ever had it (although it might have been thrown into some dish I’ve eaten at an Asian restaurant). Also, where do you find it? More specifically, what aisle/what other food would it be near in a grocery store? A full post on kimchi would be awesome! Thanks again for all your tips 🙂

Long time reader, but I normally don’t comment. If you have problems with yeast infections, you HAVE to try the product yeast guard. You can get it at any drugstore, and its basically like a topical probiotic for your vag! Sounds kind of weird, but honest to god it work so so well and is way more holistic than monistat! I hope you give it a try!

In case you haven’t heard of LabDoor I thought I would point it out. They are a very helpful resource when it comes to researching supplements. Basically they pull supps off retail shelves and run them through a battery of tests then rate the supps so that the non-scientist consumers have a better understanding of the product. Anyway, here is their link for probiotic rankings: https://labdoor.com/rankings/probiotics. I am going to order this supp: https://labdoor.com/review/healthy-origins-probiotic as it seems most effective in terms of quality and value.

Also, I always love reading your blog, it is seriously my most favorite. Keep doing what you do!

I just love your blog! I’m just now finding it but better late than never! I love my probiotic! I recently started taking ProBio5 – it’s a Plexus product. It contains 5 extra strength probiotics, added enzymes, intestinal flora, B6 Grape Seed extract and vitamin C. It’s great!! I’m actually taking a few of the Plexus products to get my health in check! I’ve researched this product like crazy and everything I’ve read is great! I’ve already lost weight and inches and I’m even off my once long list of medications I was taking. I’ve got tons of energy and my dalily headaches are gone! I think people (including me at one time) truly don’t know how good their bodies are capable of feeling!! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve enjoyed your blog!

I agree, probiotics are literally SO important for gut health. Especially while/after taking antibiotics which can seriously hurt your gut flora. Thank you so much for the awesome tips!! http://www.probioticsguide.com